PHILIPSBURG:--- Women’s Desk will be observing International Women’s Day under the United Nations theme: “Step it up for Gender Equality”.

The observance will take the form of an award and lecture event, which will be held on March 08 upcoming, from 7-9 pm at the environs of the Hope Estate Help Desk. The stage for the evening’s proceedings is set with a welcoming reception, containing live pan entertainment by Dow Musical Foundation.

The keynote address will be delivered by the eloquent and dynamic Dr. Natasha Gittens, who will be divulging a wealth of experience, exposure and knowledge to the audience.Dr. Gittens is the Director of the University of Sint Martin’s School of Continuing Education (SCELL), she is also the founder of the women’s organization WIN (Women Winning at Life) and the host of a Women’s Radio Talk Show on SOS 95.9 radio station. Dr. Gittens focus for her presentation will be on the UN’s theme “Step it up to Gender Equality” she will highlight some of the events coming out of the 2015 Commission on the Status of Women’s meeting (CSW) and give recommendations as to how we can collectively realize the UN’s Sustainable Development goal for Gender Equality here on Sint Maarten.

The highlight of the evening will be the honouring of seven individuals, both men and women, for playing a prevalent role in “stepping it up” directly or indirectly for Gender Equality here on Sint Maarten. Despite the many gender stereotypes, the awardees pursued careers in professions that were once deemed for the opposite sex.International Women’s Day is usually a day to set aside, to highlight and commemorate the accomplishments and contributions of Women in their quest for equality.However, this year Women’s Desk is attempting to begin the process of equalizing the struggle for Women and removing the prevailing perception that gender issues and gender equality are solely a “woman’s business”; but in truth and in fact gender issues are everybody’s business. Men play a very important role in the realization of equality for women, hence the recognition and awarding of men during international Women’s Day 2016.Women’s Desk continues to work towards the strengthening of the position of Women in the community of Sint Maarten and by extension their families.